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Bradley experienced by the full force of the home crowd's love, as Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who departed the club – received a stark and hostile reminder of his fall from grace.

Bradley was earmarked as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent from the moment the transfer was finalized to leave Liverpool towards the Spanish giants, as luck would have it these continental giants competing in the tournament, all was ready.

And what a contrast it was as the 22-year-old full-back became the emblem of a Liverpool display that harked back of their championship form as Real Madrid were swept aside.

Alexander-Arnold, who started on the bench, all the while was left in no doubt how the fans who once sang his former iconic role currently view him.

This was an event filled with persistent hostility targeted at Alexander-Arnold, from his mural near Anfield being vandalised bearing negative messages before the game plus the crowd's rage sparked by actions that supporters consider as disloyalty.

Conor Bradley intensified the rage and criticism targeted at his predecessor with a magnificent display that neutralized the dangerous Brazilian star to an observer, only able to offer theatrics – poor theatrics at that – confronting Bradley's commanding presence.

Every Bradley tackle was cheered to the echo, all his balls welcomed with Anfield's approval, his name chanted with gusto, not just for his own efforts plus an audible message to Alexander-Arnold that there was a new kid at the club, confirming he was now from a previous era.

Expectedly, Bradley, even won the admiration of head coach Arne Slot.

Bradley performed exceptionally, commented Slot. Facing Vinicius so many times one against one proves challenging for most, but he handled it superbly.

Assuming the vandalized messages on Alexander-Arnold's mural failed to warn him of what was awaiting him, he received clear confirmation when he trotted on alongside the Spanish squad's backups ahead of the game, boos echoing through the stadium, the critical response occurring once more during announced.

And just when it looked he would miss the complete hostility, the Spanish side's coach sent him in as a second-half change during their comeback effort Liverpool's lead, deservedly given to them the midfielder's aerial finish early in the second half.

Reaction to Trent's entrance appeared harsh, as were the mocking jeers that greeted a late cross that drifted aimlessly into touch.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo happened during the crowd referencing individuals showing commitment despite temptations and opportunities to exit the club, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, present in the crowd.

This was Liverpool's night, Bradley's night – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves with their ex-player's return acted as an even more potent catalyst to increase the intensity.

The team, earlier inconsistent after multiple losses until their recent victory last weekend, produced a showing that was easily their best during this campaign, a timely reminder of the quality that saw them stroll to the title.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to victory, stating: Winning matches proves more enjoyable compared to defeats for a coach. Defeats consume extensive focus because you so badly want to change it, yet you attempt to maintain your approach and person that you are during successful periods.

It was only the shadow from the exceptional goalkeeper Courtois who nearly denied the Reds their deserved result, via a remarkable showing which recalled previous encounters when he frustrated them during their defeat under Klopp the European showpiece at the Stade de France.

Courtois produced several outstanding stops, featuring denials against Szoboszlai plus an incredible reaction save from Virgil van Dijk's header, until eventually he couldn't prevent to stop Mac Allister's header from the Hungarian's free-kick.

The slim winning difference does not touch the sides of total command from start to finish, these crucial three points moving them to sixth position in the Champions League table, a standing that will put them in the last 16 avoiding the requirement for additional matches if sustained.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled midfield, as Wirtz delivered creative flourishes during his German career. Ekitike posed continuous threats during the game.

The Reds, contrasting with previous recent performances, extremely solid defensively as the French star was neutralized, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. Vinicius had been beaten by Conor well before full-time.

Although representing a tough occasion for the defender, it was not much better for Bellingham, presented with the Anfield platform to showcase once more his ability ahead of the national team manager selects his roster to face Serbia and Albania after being left out recently.

Bellingham created a single threat in the first half when he forced Giorgi Mamardashvili to save with his legs, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|